186 THE BANDED SAND-GROUSE. 



particularly so in the strong bill, (which forms a 

 marked contrast with the others, which are all com- 

 paratively weak,) and approaches almost to the 

 strength of that of the grouse, while the nostrils still 

 remain uncovered. It is found in Spain and some 

 of the southern provinces, and the north of Africa, 

 frequenting, perhaps, more the Landes, where there 

 is a greater proportion of herbage. The nest is 

 made among loose stones or scanty herbage, and 

 the eggs are only four or five in number. 



The next birds we have to describe are, if pos- 

 sible, still more curious. In illustration of these, 

 AVC have figured 



